Gas powered swimming aid

ABSTRACT

A marine propulsion device which operates by transfer of electrical energy to the intermittent discharge of a nontoxic gas into the confines of a nonporous tubing and the subsequent driving of a propeller by the gas discharge. The device includes a frame having cam means reciprocally operating a spring tensioned rod which controls the discharge of compressed gas from a container.

United States Patent Caryl C. B. Hastings 5 Arrow St., Cambridge, Mass. 02138 808,847

Mar. 20, 1969 Jan. 5, 1971 lnventor Appl. No. Filed Patented GAS POWERED SWIMMING AID 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

u.s.c1 l15/6.1, 114/16 B63g8/08 FieldofSearch 114/16,

16A; 115/6. 1; 103/1 49(lnquired) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 910,125 1/1909 Graser 103/149 2,722,021 11/1955 Keogh-Dwyer 114/16(A)X Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Attorney-Kenneth S. Goldfarb ABSTRACT: A marine propulsion device which operates by transfer of electrical energy to the intermittent discharge of a nontoxic gas into the confines of a nonporous tubing and the subsequent driving of a propeller by the gas discharge. The device includes a frame having cam means reciprocally operating a spring tensioned rod which controls the discharge of compressed gas from a container.

GAS POWERED SWIMMING AID This invention relates to a marine propulsion device adapted to be used as a propulsion unit for a swimmer or diver. I

One of the popular rapidly growing outdoor sports is underwater swimming or scuba diving. The swimmer or diver not only has the unusual ability of being able to stay for an extended period of time under water, but in so doing can perform useful functions of exploration, rescue operations, repair of equipment, etc. To this end, it is often desirable to provide the swimmer or diver with some mechanical means of accelerating progress through the water.

It is the primary object of the invention to not only provide a device for propelling the diver at a relatively high rate, but which is light in weight and therefore requires minimal exertion of the divers effort thereby enabling him to perform his task with the greatest efficiency when he reaches his destination.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a device for propelling a diver in water which is small in size and easily controllable by the diver.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a safe and convenient marine propulsion device especially adapted for use as a safety device for use by a diver when operating at the surface so as to enable the diver to move against a light current over an average distance of 50 to 500 yards when fully laden with equipment and in a surfaced state.

Still another object of this invention resides in the provision of a marine device for a swimmer or diver which incorporates novel gas propulsion means employing replaceable parts which are readily available.

An additional object of this invention resides in the provision of a marine propulsion device which operates cleanly by means which do not contribute to the pollution of water.

Yet another object of this invention resides in the provision of a marine propulsion device which is virtually silent as it moves through water, thereby not frightening fish and other aquatic life.

Still further objects and features of this invention reside in the provision of a marine propulsion device that is simple in construction, capable of using various existing parts, which is attractive in appearance, and efficient in operation, and which requires relatively no maintenance.

These, together with the various ancillary objects and features of this invention, which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this marine propulsion device, a preferred embodiment of which is shown in the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial front elevational view of the marine propulsion device according to the invention, parts being broken away to show other parts in detail;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the gas propulsion means of the invention showing the manner in which the discharge of gas operates upon the propeller;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side sectional view of the intermittent operation of the cam upon the compressed gas container in order to effect discharge of gas taken along the plane of line 3-3 in FIG. 1 therefrom; and,

FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the gas propulsion means according to the invention.

With continuing reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, and particularly with reference to FIG. 1, reference numeral is used to generally designate a marine propulsion device illustrated in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. The marine propulsion device 10 includes an open frame 12. Disposed in the frame is means for actuating the valve of an aerosol type container 25 of compressed gas and includes an electric motor 14 and suitable rechargeable batteries 16 for driving the motor 14. Motor 14 drives a shaft 18 fixed tb its side and extending outwardly thereof. Tapered cam 20 is mountedupon shaft 18. Cam 20 abuts rod 22 tensioned by spring 24 against gas discharge button 26 of a compressed gas container 25, preferably an aerosol type can. The sea water flows freely about the container 25. Preferably, Freon is used because of its low cost, but any other nontoxic gas will work equally as well.

Referring now to FIG. 3, as motor 14 rotates cam 20 the rod 22 reciprocates in upward and downward movements in the direction shown by double arrow 28. The lower portion 30 of rod 22 is rigidly fixed to a cylindrical cap 32 which is securely mounted upon gas discharge button 26 to prevent rod 22 from being jarred from its position as spring 24 expands. The reciprocating upward and downward movements of rod 22 caused by rotation of cam 20 is responsible for intermittent discharge of gas through gas discharge orifice 34. The discharge orifice 34 opens into a nonporous elastic tube 36 by means of another section of tubing 38. In lieu of the foregoing mechanism, a squeeze type closed-open valve arrangement can be provided for the tube 36.

Propeller means, generally designated by numeral 40, comprises a pitched propeller 42 mounted within cylindrical opening 44, the propeller comprising a plurality of individual spaced members 46 radiating from the center 48 of the propeller. Located at the outward ends 52 of the spaced members 46 are roller means 54 rotatably secured at the outer ends of the spaced members 46. The roller means 54 rotatably mounted on the outer ends of the spaced members 46 are sized to fit within the opening 44 between the inner wall 44a of the opening 44 and the nonporous elastic tube 36 which is located against the inner wall 44a of the opening 44. The nonporous elastic tube 36 extends about the opening 44 approximately 270 and then leaves the opening 44 by means of a discharge tube 60.

When no compressed gas is beingadmitted to the nonporous elastic tube 36, the propulsion device is in the static position as is best seen in FIG. 2. However, as compressed gas is admitted into the nonporous elastic tube 36, the tube expands as is seen in FIG. 4 causing the roller 52 to advance in the direction of the movement of the compressed gas which action in turn causes the propeller to rotate thereby exerting its propelling force.

The faster the motor 14 is caused to operate by the activation of the switch 62 the more compressed gas is forced under pressure from the compressed gas container 25 which in turn causes the compressed gas to enter the nonporous elastic tube 36 at a faster rate which in turn drives the rollers 54 faster, thus causing the propeller 40 to rotate at a higher speed, thereby achieving faster propulsion for the propulsion device 10.

A swimmer or diver can maintain complete control of the device by parallel hand grips 64 located on each side of the frame. Also, a door 66 is provided on the frame and is attached by fasteners 68 so that the compressed air container 25 may be replaced.

It is contemplated that various compressed gases can be used in this invention such as Freon and that all will operate equally as well, but Freon has been specified since it is readily available, low in cost and is not harmful to humans or wildlife. It is further contemplated that the pressure of the compressed gas within the compressed gas container can be under a pressure of about pounds although this pressure is not critical. The water passing over the device controls the temperature of the liquid gas so that it can expand to its free state pressure. An air compressor hose can be attached for captive use if such is desired by provision of a nipple connection.

The nonporous elastic tube 36 may be made of nylon. Mylar or a similar elastic material either of synthetic or natural materials which are not affected by exposure to water or mineral deposits. Further, the rollers 54 may be fabricated of nylon Teflon or a similar material having a low coefficient of friction.

It is further to be understood that the nonporous elastic tube 36 may be set within a channel within the opening 44 so as to prevent any slippage or displacement of the tube 36.

lln melt is merely necessary to actuate the switch x6'2rturning .on theelectric motor 14 in order to commencetthe use'of theupropulsion device ofvthe invention-When theimotora' lmis turned on, the motor 14 begins to rotate turning the shaft l8 which is connected to the cam 'As' the cam 20 rotates, the

follower rod 22 reciprocates up and .down as shown'at-28 operating the gas discharge button 26which serves as a valve.

-- As the gas discharge button 26 is actuated, compressed gas from the compressed gas supply tank is allowed'to leavethe tank and flow into the nonporous elastictube '36. As the compressed'gas enters the tube, a slight bubble is formed in the tube which is partially restricted bytheiroller 54;causingithe roller 54 to advancein front of the. gas bubble thereby driving the propeller 40.

A' latitude of modification, change and substitution is .intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances some features of theinvention will be employed withouta-corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is ap- ;propriate that the appended-claims bevconstruedbroadly and irra manner consistent with the sp'irit andscope of the invenition herein.

l claim:

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a framezhaving an opening extending therethrough, propeller .means rotatably -mounted in said opening and including a plurality ofispaced members radiating from its center,'container means for-comfl-pressed gas mounted on said frame, tubing-means connected to said container means and having a portion thereof mounted around the inner periphery of said opening, means forintermittently discharging compressed gas from said container meansainto sai'cl ttibing=means,.-"and rollermeans! mounted on anddownwa'rdmovement of said'rod.

LII

L3;Azdevicelaccording'torclaim' lyincluding a motorin-said framei'drivi'ngsaidxcamimeans:asource: of electricalpower in said 'frame,and=: electric'al connection*means'electrically connectingsaidsource to said motor.

devicexaccording-to claimI'l,-:includin'g means on'said frame for removingsaid container means.

5. A deviceaccording toJclaim 1,.inclUding-apairof com- .zplementaryhand grips,.-each of-said.hand grips-being parallel "to one :anotherandbeing attached 'to opposite sides of tfsaid frame forfacilitatingcontrol of said device.

' '6. A'Jdevice according-to claim 1, wherein the free end of said tubing 'means'is secured to the outside of-said frame for discharginggas from said device.

'7.-Adevice according toclaim 1, wherein said tubingmeans is fabricated from-a:nonporous elastic material.

. -8."Adeviceaccording to claim .L'wherein said'compressed gas is Freon. v 

1. A marine propulsion device comprising a frame having an opening extending therethrough, propeller means rotatably mounted in said opening and including a plurality of spaced members radiating from its center, container means for compressed gas mounted on said frame, tubing means connected to said container means and having a portion thereof mounted around the inner periphery of said opening, means for intermittently discharging compressed gas from said container means into said tubing means, and roller means mounted on said members and abutting and slightly compressing said tubing along the inner periphery of said opening for moving said rollers and rotating said propeller means as gas is intermittently discharged from said container means.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said means for intermittently discharging compressed gas from said container includes cam means, a rod secured to the upper portion of said container and abutting the periphery of said cam means, and spring means about said rod for controlling the intermittent discharge of gas from said container by reciprocating upward and downward movement of said rod.
 3. A device according to claim 1, including a motor in said frame driving said cam means, a source of electrical power in said frame, and electrical connection means electrically connecting said source to said motor.
 4. A device according to claim 1, including means on said frame for removing said container means.
 5. A device according to claim 1, including a pair of complementary hand grips, each of said hand grips being parallel to one another and being attached to opposite sides of said frame for facilitating control of said device.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the free end of said tubing means is secuRed to the outside of said frame for discharging gas from said device.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said tubing means is fabricated from a nonporous elastic material.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said compressed gas is Freon. 